Wtc2015 Full Tiberti

„SEE Tunnel:Promoting Tunneling in SEE Region“
ITA WTC 2015 Congress and 41st General Assembly

May 22-28, 2015, Lacroma Valamar Congress Center, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Experimental investigation on the local splitting behavior under

TBM hydraulic jacks
Giuseppe Tiberti, University of Brescia, Italy, giuseppe.tiberti@unibs.it

Antonio Conforti, University of Brescia, Italy, antonio.conforti@unibs.it
Giovanni Plizzari, University or Brescia, Italy, giovanni.plizzari@unibs.it
Sandro Moro, BASF Construction Chemicals Italy, Italy, sandro.moro@basf.com
Mechanized Tunneling in Development and Use
Keywords: thrust jack, splitting phenomena, fiber reinforced concrete, polypropylene fibers
Tunnel segments are generally reinforced with conventional rebars in order to resist the tensile
stresses both at Serviceability (SLS) and Ultimate Limit States (ULS).
In the two last decades, Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) was also used in several precast tunnel
segments in combination or not with conventional rebars.
For structural purposes, Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) is generally utilized, even though
some types of structural polypropylene fibers have been recently introduced in the market.
Moreover, polypropylene fibers are now able to impart significant toughness and ductility to
concrete.
The proposed paper concerns an experimental study aimed to evaluate the opportunities offered
by Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Concrete (PFRC) in precast segments for use in tunnel linings.
The design process of segmental concrete linings in ground conditions generally refers to standard
load cases of de-molding, storage, embedded ground condition and grouting process. Nevertheless,
the application of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) thrust jack forces is a crucial temporary
loading condition during construction, which may govern the design procedure as well as the other
stages.
For these reasons, an experimental campaign aimed to investigate the local splitting behavior
which occurs in the segment regions under the TBM hydraulic jacks was arranged at University of
Brescia. Tests on concrete prisms (with or without fibrous reinforcement) were carried out in order
to evaluate the beneficial effects of polypropylene fibers in controlling typical splitting cracks
occurring in presence of high-concentrated loads. Due to the rather limited use of PFRC in
structural applications, the experimental campaign presented herein is of paramount interest to
the scientific community, since the results show the feasibility of using polypropylene fibers in
tunnel segments.
1. Introduction
The employment of Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) in precast tunnel segments in combination or
not with conventional rebars is rising in the two last decades [1]. Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
(SFRC) is generally used, even though there is a growing interest in the scientific community on
polypropylene (PP) fibers for use in structural applications.
In fact, in the last decade, important efforts have been devoted to develop new types of PP fibers
able to impart significant toughness to concrete and, hence, adequate for structural purposes.
Conforti et al. in 2014 [2] showed that these newly developed PP fibers can be used as shear
reinforcement in both wide-shallow beams and deep beams. However, many other structural
applications should be investigated such as precast tunnel linings. Referring to these elements, it
can be underlined that the final state, when the lining is loaded by the surrounding ground, is a
favorable condition. In fact, rather low shear forces and bending moments occur, since the
compressive normal ring force is prevalent. However, there are several temporary loading
conditions such as de-moulding and stacking of segments as well as TBM excavation process that
should be considered.
During the lining construction process, after assembly a complete ring, the Tunnel Boring Machine
(TBM) moves forward by pushing its thrust jacks on the bearing pads of the newest assembled
ring. High thrust jack forces are introduced in the lining in order to guarantee the excavation
process by means of the TBM cutter head.
The application of the thrust jack forces is a critical phase. Actually, although this phenomenon
occurs in the temporary lining building stage, it tends to be normative as well as the previously
mentioned final state.
Generally, the tensile stresses under the loading areas of the thrust jacks are crucial factors.
Indeed, high concentrated forces have to be introduced in the lining. As a result, a so-called
Disturbed region (D-region) developed. Consequently, in the segments’ region under the TBM
hydraulic jacks tensile transverse stresses (define as splitting or bursting stresses) occur
perpendicular to the direction of the loads exerted by the jacks. Hence, local splitting
reinforcement (consisting in stirrups) is usually placed under the aforementioned TBM loading
areas. Splitting cracks arise especially on areas with reduced segment thickness like bolt pockets.
Most of these cracks will self-heal but larger cracks, which may cause leakage, will always remain.
Although there is no danger for tunnel collapse, these leaking cracks have to be repaired or
injected.
Previous research works clearly evidenced the beneficial effects of FRC in presence of load
concentrations and splitting phenomena [3, 4]. Tiberti et al. [4, 5] have demonstrated by means of
non-linear numerical simulations of tunnel segments that fibrous reinforcement enables a
progressive stable re-distribution of splitting stresses, which guarantees the increase of the applied
load after cracking. Nevertheless, there is a lack in literature of experimental tests performed on
FRC specimens subjected to high concentrated loads especially with regard to PFRC elements.
Within this framework, it is of paramount importance the evaluation of the contribution of PP
fibrous reinforcement in controlling cracking splitting phenomena. In this respect, a newly
developed macro synthetic fiber with chemical bond, was adopted and a broad experimental
campaign was arranged at University of Brescia. Tests on concrete prisms (with or without fibrous
reinforcement) were carried out by considering two different configurations of the applied loads.
Furthermore, it is well known that fiber distribution in the matrix (spacing) as well as fiber
orientation with regard to the expected crack surface, can considerably influence the post-cracking
response of a fibrous reinforced structural elements under a given state of stress condition. Since
the distribution of stresses in the D-region under the TBM hydraulic jacks is rather complicated,
two opposite methods of casting were adopted in order to get a completely different fiber
orientation. Based on these different sample configurations the corresponding performance level
guaranteed with respect to splitting phenomena was deeply investigated in terms of bearing
capacity and ductility. It was proven that PFRC guarantees a stable development of splitting cracks
resulting in an increment of the applied load after cracking and a noticeable improvement of
ductility.
2. Experimental program
2.1 Specimen geometries
All experimental tests were done using a square prismatic specimen 750 mm high, as reported in
Fig. 1. The square has a side length equal to 250 mm (d). The latter value was chosen in order to
model the thickness of concrete tunnel segments having small diameter (e.g. hydraulic tunnel
linings). The chosen height (h) of the specimens was three times the length of the square side
(h=3d=750 mm). Moreover, note that no lifting hooks were provided in any specimens.
In order to simulate the effects of TBM hydraulic jacks during thrust phase, two different loading
configurations were considered: line load (LL) and point load (PL).
LL configuration is characterized of having a symmetrical normal loading applied by rectangular
strip (Fig. 2a), which lead to a two dimensional problem. In LL configuration, the loading strip was
100 mm wide (a), leading to a ratio a/d equal to 0.4. The latter was chosen in order to have a
splitting failure well before the concrete crushing failure under the loading strip. Therefore, the
loading strip was 100 mm wide and 250 mm depth (Fig. 2a).
PL configuration is instead subjected to central loading (Fig. 2b), which lead to a three dimensional
distribution of expected stresses. Therefore, PL test is a more severe condition than LL. The same
ratio a/d adopted for LL tests was also used in PL configuration, leading to a square loading area
of 100x100 mm.
In both configuration, the sides of the specimens were identified by cardinal direction (North (N),
South (S), West (W), East (E)), as shown in Fig. 2.
Fig. 1 Specimen geometry
(a) (b)
Fig. 2 Loading configuration: LL (a); PL (b)
The present experimental campaign was designed changing three different parameters: loading
configuration, material toughness and casting direction. The latter was studied in order to evaluate
the influence of casting direction on fiber orientation and thus on splitting bearing capacity and
ductility.
Nine specimens were tested under LL configuration: three in plain concrete (PC), three in
polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete made by vertical casting (PFRC-V) and three in
polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete made by horizontal casting (PFRC-H). Vertical casting
identifies a casting direction identical to loading direction, while horizontal casting identifies a
casting direction perpendicular to loading direction. PC specimens were tested in order to have
reference samples.
In the same way, nine specimens were tested under PL configuration: three in PC, three in PFRC-V
and three in PFRC-H.
All LL and PL tested specimens are summarized in Table 1, in terms of specimen designation,
materials, casting direction and main geometry characteristics. As an example, the designation LL-
PFRC-V-1 refers to a splitting sample #1 tested under LL configuration and made in PFRC by
vertical casting. In the same way, PL-PFRC-H-2 refers to a splitting sample #2 tested under PL
configuration made in PFRC by horizontal casting.
Table 1 Loading configuration and geometry characteristics of tested specimens

Specimen Loading Casting d h a a/d
Concrete
Designation Configuration Direction [mm] [mm] [mm] [-]
LL-PC-1 Line Load PC Vertical 250 750 100 0.4
LL-PFRC-V-1 Line Load PFRC Vertical 250 750 100 0.4
LL-PFRC-H-1 Line Load PFRC Horizontal 250 750 100 0.4
PL-PC-1 Point Load PC Vertical 250 750 100 0.4
PL-PFRC-V-1 Point Load PFRC Vertical 250 750 100 0.4
PL-PFRC-H-1 Point Load PFRC Horizontal 250 750 100 0.4
2.2 Materials
As already underlined at section 2.1, two concrete mixtures were used: plain concrete (PC) and
polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (PFRC). The target cylindrical average compressive
strength at 28 days of both PC and PFRC was about 50 MPa, which is the compressive strength
generally adopted in practice for precast tunnel linings. Each matrix was produced by singular
batch using a planetary concrete mixer. According to section 2.1, six square prismatic specimens
were made in PC, while twelve were made in PFRC. In any concrete batch, nine 150x150x150 mm
cubes (for compressive strength) were also produced, as well as three and twelve small beams
(150x150x550 mm), for PC and PFRC, respectively (for the evaluation of PFRC residual flexural
strengths according to EN14651-5 [6]).
The mixture proportion (by weight) of both PC and PFRC was 1:2.8:2.3:0.5 for 360 kg/m3 of CEM
II/A-LL 42.5R cement: sand (0/4): coarse aggregate (4/16): water. Instead, super-plasticizer was
0.7% and 1.2% of cement content, for PC and PFRC, respectively. Both mixtures exhibited a good
workability, with a concrete slump of about 180-200 mm (EN12350-2 [7]).
PFRC contains PP fibers in a 1.10% volume fraction, namely 10 kg/m3. In particular, embossed PP
fibers with chemical bond (MasterFiber MAC 2000 CB) were adopted. Fibers are 54 mm long, with
an aspect ratio of 67, tensile strength of 585 MPa, elastic modulus of 3160 MPa and a density of
910 kg/m3.
Table 2 lists the mechanical properties of concretes: cubic and cylinder compressive strength (Rcm,
fcm). Nine 150 mm cubes were employed for the determination of Rcm (whose coefficient of
variation (c.v.) is also provided in brackets, see Table 2). The cylinder compressive strength was
analytically derived (fcm=0.83Rcm). The mean value of the cylindrical concrete compressive strength
resulted 57.2 MPa for PC and 48.5 MPa for PFRC.
Fig. 3 represents the nominal stress vs. CMOD (Crack Mouth Opening Displacement) curves of
twelve PFRC and three PC notched small beams (150x150x550 mm), tested for the fracture
characterization of PFRC, according to EN 14651-5 [6].The limit of proportionality fLm and the
values of the average residual flexure strengths fR,1m, fR,2m, fR,3m, fR,4m (corresponding to CMOD
values of 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 mm, respectively) and their coefficients of variation (c.v.) are listed
in Table 2 as well. PFRC exhibited a significant stable post-cracking response, characterized by an

increment of about 55% of residual flexural tensile strength from a CMOD equal to 0.5 mm to 3.5
mm.
Table 2 Mechanical properties of PC and PFRC

Concrete PC PFRC
Rcm [MPa] 68.9 (c.v. 0.04) 58.4 (c.v. 0.02)
fcm [MPa] 57.2 48.5
fLm [MPa] - 4.87 (c.v. 0.10)
fR,1m [MPa] - 2.40 (c.v. 0.17)
fR,2m [MPa] - 3.18 (c.v. 0.17)
fR,3m [MPa] - 3.60 (c.v. 0.16)
fR,4m [MPa] - 3.76 (c.v. 0.16)
Fig. 3 PC and PFRC: nominal stress-CMOD curves according to EN14651-5 [6]
2.3 Test set-up and instrumentation
Fig. 4a shows the reaction frame system used for both LL and PL configuration. An electro-
mechanical screw jack with a loading capacity of 1500 kN was used for all specimens. A
displacement-controlled test was adopted, allowing for a suitable test control during critical steps
such as in the case of abrupt cracking phenomena or load drops. The applied load was measured
by a load cell (2000 kN). The strain rate for all specimens was 0.02 mm/min and was kept
constant during the tests. The tests were continued up to failure. In case of PL configuration, a
strain rate of 0.10 mm/min was used in the softening branch.
All specimens were capped by a thin bed of high strength mortar at top and bottom sides in order
to have smooth, parallel and uniform bearing surfaces. Then, the specimens were properly aligned
into the reaction frame system in order to avoid any eccentricity.
The load was applied at the top surface of the specimens by means of a loading steel plate 40 mm
thick, with sizes 100x250 mm in case of LL and 100x100 mm for PL. The friction between concrete
and loading steel plate was reduced by means of a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) 2 mm
thick. At the bottom, the specimens was placed on a square steel plate with a side length of 400
mm, appropriately leveled by high strength mortar bed 30 mm thick. The friction between
specimens and bottom steel plate was reduced by PTFE film.
Fig. 4b shows a picture of a LL specimen before testing, as well as Fig. 4c reports a PL samples.
Both linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) and potentiometric transducers (PTs) were
installed perpendicular to the loading direction in order to measure the horizontal crack widths, as
reported in Fig. 5. In case of LL configuration (Fig. 5a) two LVDTs and three PTs were used on the
two opposite sides of the specimen, while for PL configuration (Fig. 5b) one LVDTs and four PTs
were used on all four sides of the specimen.
In addition, both in case of LL and PL, three LVDTs were arranged at 120° around the specimen in
its bottom part (Bernoulli region) in order to both measure the vertical shortening of the
specimens and to control the tests.
(a) (b) (c)
Fig. 4 Scheme of loading system (a) and picture of a specimen before testing: LL (b); PL (c)
(a) (b)
Fig. 5 Horizontal instrumentation details of: LL (a); PL (b)

3. Experimental results and discussion

All samples subjected to LL configuration showed a splitting failure. Table 3 summarizes all
experimental results of PC, PFRC-V and PFRC-H LL specimens, in terms of failure mode, load at
which the splitting crack appear (Psplitting), splitting crack width at Psplitting on north side (wN,splitting),
splitting crack width at Psplitting on south side (wS,splitting), maximum load (Pmax), splitting crack width
at Pmax on north side (wN,max), splitting crack width at Pmax on south side (wS,max) and ratio between
Pmax and Psplitting. The crack width measurement include also elastic concrete deformation. In Table
3 are also listed the mean values, as well as standard deviations (SDs) and coefficient of variations
(CVs).
Concerning the statistical dispersion of the results, the value of the coefficient of variations are in
general small. This means that the experimental results are consistent.
PC samples failed when the principal tensile stress reached the tensile strength of concrete. In fact,
PC specimens failed when the splitting crack occurs or shortly afterward (Psplitting=Pmax). The failure
was very brittle and without any prior warning of impending collapse. At failure the compressive
stress under the loading steel plate was about 41 MPa, which is 30% smaller than the compressive
strength of PC mixture (fcm=57.2 MPa).
Concerning PFRC-V samples, it can be observed that PP fibers significantly enhanced the splitting
bearing capacity (+41%). The specimens failed well-after the splitting cracking, reaching higher
value of both maximum load and maximum crack opening, which ensures sufficient warning
before the failure. This is due to the bridging effect of fibers, which lead to a stable crack
development. The maximum compressive stress under the loading steel plate was about 51 MPa,
which is 5% greater than the compressive strength of PFRC mixture (fcm=48.5MPa), thanks to the
lateral confinement which occurs in the concrete under the loading steel plate.
Also in case of PFRC-H samples, PP fibers was able to enhance the splitting bearing capacity
(+18%) and give more ductility to the samples (maximum crack opening comparable to PFRC-V
specimens). However, these experimental results confirm that the casting direction, changing the
fiber orientation, affects the splitting bearing capacity. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile noticing that
PFRC-V samples exhibited a rather good ductility.
Table 3 Main experimental results of LL tests

Specimen Type of Psplitting wN,splitting wS,splitting Pmax wN,max wS,max Pmax/Pslitting
Designation failure [kN] [mm] [mm] [kN] [mm] [mm] [-]
PC
LL-PC-1 Splitting 1152 0.289 0.124 1152 0.289 0.124 1.00
LL-PC-2 Splitting 1011 0.121 0.129 1011 0.121 0.129 1.00
LL-PC-3 Splitting 970 0.179 0.101 970 0.179 0.101 1.00
Mean - 1044 0.196 0.118 1044 0.196 0.118 1.00
SD - 95 0.085 0.015 95 0.085 0.015 -
CV - 0.09 0.43 0.13 0.09 0.43 0.13 -
PFRC-V
LL-PFRC-V-1 Splitting 1020 0.110 0.113 1439 0.701 0.633 1.41
Mean - 915 0.157 0.176 1290 1.028 0.867 1.41
SD - 94 0.060 0.100 140 0.287 0.220 0.10
CV - 0.10 0.38 0.57 0.11 0.28 0.25 0.07
PFRC-H
LL-PFRC-H-1 Splitting 938 0.150 0.071 1072 0.461 0.363 1.14
Mean - 920 0.137 0.106 1086 0.804 0.812 1.18
SD - 76 0.021 0.043 71 0.403 0.398 0.18
CV - 0.08 0.15 0.41 0.07 0.50 0.49 0.15
The beneficial effect of PP fibers on the splitting behavior of specimen under LL configuration is
well depicted also in Fig. 6a, which shows the load vs. crack-opening curves in terms of mean
values for PC, PFRC-H and PFRC-V specimens.
Fig. 6b depicts the load vs. crack depth from top surface curve for all LL samples, showing the
propagation of the splitting cracks along the height of the specimens. PP fibers provides a post-
cracking tensile residual strength across the splitting crack, giving to the specimen the possibility
to find a new stress distribution along the specimen height that meets the equilibrium.
Consequently, the splitting crack depth progressively increases in PFRC samples as well underlined
in Fig. 6b. On the other hand, in PC samples a sudden increase of the splitting crack depth occurs
due to the brittle post-cracking behavior of PC.
Fig. 7 shows the final crack patterns of LL PC-1, LL PFRC-V-3 and LL PFRC-H-2 specimens. These
final crack patterns clearly show the splitting failure, as well as the different propagation of the
splitting crack.
1800 1800
Load LL: Mean Experimental Curves Load LL: Crack depth comparison
1600
[kN] H1 LVDT 1600
[kN]
PC fcm=57.2 MPa; PFRC fcm=48.5 MPa
1400 1400
PC PFRC-V
1200 1200
1000 1000
PFRC-H
800 800
600 600 PFRC-V

PFRC-H
400 400
200 200
Crack opening [mm] Crack depth from top surface [x d]
0 0
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
(a) (b)
Fig. 6 LL: mean experimental curves of load vs. crack-opening for PC, PFRC-V and PFRC-H (a) and load vs. crack depth
curves for all PFRC-V and PFRC-H specimens (b)
LL PC-1 North LL PFRC-V-3 South LL PFRC-H-2 South

(a) (b) (c)
Fig. 7 Final crack patterns of: LL PC-1 (a); LL PFRC-V-3 (b); LL PFRC-H-2 (c)
Concerning PL experimental results, Table 4 lists the failure mode, the load at which the splitting
crack appear (Psplitting), the compressive stress under the loading steel plate at Psplitting (σc,splitting), the
splitting crack width at Psplitting (wsplitting), the maximum load (Pmax), the maximum compressive
stress under the loading steel plate at Pmax (σc,max), the splitting crack width at Pmax (wmax) and the
ratio between Pmax and Psplitting. Mean values, SDs and CVs are listed as well.
PL samples made in PC showed a very brittle splitting failure. This failure occurs at a concrete
compressive stress under the loading steel plate of about 95 MPa, which is 65% greater than the
compressive strength of PC mixture. In fact, the concrete under the loading steel plate is subjected
to triaxial state of compressive stress and thus it is well-confined.
About PFRC-V samples, PP fibers were able to enhance the bearing capacity, but not more than
10%. This value is much smaller than the one obtained in case of LL test, as a consequence of
loss of confinement after splitting (the compressive stress under the loading steel plate was about
80% higher than the compressive strength of concrete). However, PP fibers lead to a progressive
and stable loss of confinement after splitting in spite of PC.
The same behavior of PFRC-V sample was observed in case of PFRC-H, even if the maximum
splitting capacity was smaller and the post-cracking behavior was more unstable.
Fig. 8 reports the comparison of all PL experimental tests, in which the experimental curves of load
vs. H1 crack-opening are shown in terms of mean values. In this figure, the experimental
observations aforementioned can be found.
Table 4 Main experimental results of PL test

Specimen Type of Psplitting σc,splitting wsplitting Pmax σc,max wmax Pmax/Pslitting
Designation failure [kN] [MPa] [mm] [kN] [MPa] [mm] [-]
PC
PL-PC-1 Splitting 950 95.0 0.380 (S) 950 95.0 0.380 (S) 1.00
PL-PC-2 Splitting 949 94.9 0.196 (N) 949 94.9 0.196 (N) 1.00
PL-PC-3 Splitting 931 93.1 0.252 (S) 931 93.1 0.252 (S) 1.00
Mean - 943 94.3 - 943 94.3 - 1.00
SD - 11 1.1 - 11 1.1 - -
CV - 0.01 0.01 - 0.01 0.01 - -
PFRC-V
PL-PFRC-V-1 Splitting(1) 822 82.2 0.073 (E) 898 89.8 0.491 (E) 1.09
(1)
PL-PFRC-V-2 Splitting 811 81.1 0.088 (S) 917 91.7 0.543 (N) 1.13
PL-PFRC-V-3 Splitting(1) 742 74.2 0.066 (N) 843 84.3 1.083 (W) 1.14
Mean - 792 79.2 - 886 88.6 - 1.12
SD - 43 4.3 - 38 3.8 - 0.02
CV - 0.05 0.05 - 0.04 0.04 - 0.02
PFRC-H
PL-PFRC-H-1 Splitting(2) 765 76.5 0.123 (W) 805 80.5 0.268 (W) 1.05
PL-PFRC-H-2 Splitting(2) 786 78.6 0.110 (S) 834 83.4 0.276 (S) 1.06
PL-PFRC-H-3 Splitting(2) 731 73.1 0.184 (W) 765 76.5 0.324 (W) 1.05
Mean - 761 76.1 - 801 80.1 - 1.05
SD - 28 2.8 - 35 3.5 - 0.01
CV - 0.04 0.04 - 0.04 0.04 - 0.01
(1)
Progressive and stable loss of confinement after splitting
(2)
Loss of confinement after splitting
1800 1800
Load PL: Mean Experimental Curves Load PL: Mean Experimental Curves
1600
[kN] H1 LVDT 1600
[kN] H1 LVDT
PC fcm=57.2 MPa; PFRC fcm=48.5 MPa PC fcm=57.2 MPa; PFRC fcm=48.5 MPa
1400 1400
1200 1200
PC PC
1000 1000
PFRC-V
PFRC-V
800 800
600 600
PFRC-H
400 400
PFRC-H
200 200
Crack opening [mm] Crack opening [mm]
0 0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00
(a) (b)
Fig. 8 PL: mean experimental curves of load vs. H1 crack-opening curves for PC, PFRC-V and PFRC-H specimens (a) and
their zoom up to 3 mm of crack opening (b)
It is worthwhile underlying that in both case of LL and PL, the splitting load (Psplitting) resulted
greater for PC samples than PFRC specimens (see Table 2 and Table 3), due to the higher concrete
compressive strength of PC mixture. Moreover, note that the ratio between the splitting load of PL
tests and the splitting load of LL tests, resulted smaller than one, i.e. about 0.85, confirming that
PL configuration is more severe than LL one.
4. Conclusions
In the present paper the local splitting behavior which occurs in the segment regions under the
TBM hydraulic jacks was investigated by means of both line load and point load experimental tests
on square prismatic specimens made of plain concrete (PC) and polypropylene fiber reinforced
concrete (PFRC).
Based on this experimental study, the following conclusion can be drawn:
- The splitting failure of plain concrete samples is very brittle and without any prior warning of
impending collapse;
- Polypropylene fibers, in the amount of 10 kg/m3 (Vf=1.10%), significantly enhance the splitting
bearing capacity (up to +40%), as well as the ductility. This aspect was clearly underlined by
both line load and point load experimental tests;
- The casting direction influences the splitting bearing capacity, since it leads to a very different
fibers orientation. In case of loading direction identical to casting direction the splitting bearing
capacity increased of about 40%, while in case loading direction orthogonal to casting direction
the splitting bearing capacity increased of about 20%;
- Polypropylene fibers can be used as local splitting reinforcement in concrete tunnel segments.
5. Acknowledgments
The Authors would like to give their appreciation to BASF Construction Chemicals Italy for the
financial support. Moreover, a special thank goes to Engineers Bernardelli Vincenzo and Uberti
Aurelio for the assistance in performing the experimental program.
6. References
[1] De La Fuente, A., Blanco, A., Pujadas, P., Aguado, A., "Advances on the use of fibres in
precast concrete segmental linings", Proceedings of international fib symposium: Engineer-
ing a concrete future: technology, modelling and construction, Tel Aviv, 2014.
[2] Conforti A., Minelli F., Tinini A., Plizzari G.A., and Moro S., "Structural applicability of
polypropylene fibres: deep and wide-shallow beams subjected to shear", FRC 2014 Joint
ACI-fib International Workshop, Montreal, Canada, 24-25 July 2014, pp. 341-356.
[3] Schnütgen, B., “Design of precast steel fiber reinforced tunnel elements”, Proceedings of the
RILEM TC 162-TDF Workshop, Test and design methods for steel fiber reinforced concrete
– background and experiences, Bochum, Germany, 2003, pp.145-152.
[4] Tiberti, G., “Concrete tunnel segments with combined traditional and fiber reinforcement:
optimization of the structural behavior and design aspects”, Ph.D. Thesis, Department of
Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia,
June 2014, ISBN 978–88–548–7005–5, Aracne editrice s.r.l., Roma, Italy, 396 p.
[5] Plizzari, G.A., and Tiberti, G., “Structural behaviour of SFRC tunnel segments”, Proceed-
ings of the 6th International Conference on Fracture Mechanics of Concrete and Concrete
Structures (FraMCos), 2007, Vol. 3, pp. 1577-1584, ISBN 978-0-415-44066-0.
[6] EN 14651-5, “Precast concrete products – test method for metallic fibre concrete – Measur-
ing the flexural tensile strength, European Standard, 2005.
[7] EN 12350-2, “Testing fresh concrete – Part 2: Slump-test”, 2009.

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„SEE Tunnel:Promoting Tunneling in SEE Region“

ITA WTC 2015 Congress and 41st General Assembly

Experimental investigation on the local splitting behavior under

Giuseppe Tiberti, University of Brescia, Italy, giuseppe.tiberti@unibs.it

Mechanized Tunneling in Development and Use

Fig. 1 Specimen geometry

Fig. 2 Loading configuration: LL (a); PL (b)

Table 1 Loading configuration and geometry characteristics of tested specimens

in Table 2 as well. PFRC exhibited a significant stable post-cracking response, characterized by an

Table 2 Mechanical properties of PC and PFRC

Fig. 3 PC and PFRC: nominal stress-CMOD curves according to EN14651-5 [6]

2.3 Test set-up and instrumentation

(a) (b) (c)

Fig. 5 Horizontal instrumentation details of: LL (a); PL (b)

3. Experimental results and discussion

Table 3 Main experimental results of LL tests

600 600 PFRC-V

LL PC-1 North LL PFRC-V-3 South LL PFRC-H-2 South

Table 4 Main experimental results of PL test

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